Most Anticipated Anime Series For Fall 2016

Summer might be winding down, but the world of anime is only heating up.

The fall season is about to usher in a whole new season of anticipated anime series that fans are gushing over.

Whether you’re into shonen or shojo, this fall will bring you a show or three worth binging.

If you’re heading back to school, then you might enjoy a fun-filled scholastic romp courtesy of Sound! Euphonium. Or, should you prefer the supernatural, then catching an episode of Natsume’s Book of Friends will better suit your spooky tastes.

To make things easy for you, ComicBook.com has compiled a list of some of the most anticipated anime set to premiere this fall. So, really, we shouldn’t be all that sad to see our summer break end.

Honorable Mentions

First, let’s hit some honorable mentions. There are dozens of anime series slated to release this fall, so it can be overwhelming to sort through the slush. While these two series may not be on everyone’s go-to list, they’ll surely please long-time fans.

If you’ve not heard of Uta no Prince Sama, then you’re probably unfamiliar with the so-called dating video games. The franchise originated as a popular Japanese ‘visual novel’ game which put players in the shoes of Haruka Nanami, a shy but talent composer. The game was adapted into a hugely successful anime in 2011, leaving fans to choose – or, rather, drool – over the incredibly hunky guys who Haruka meets at her performing arts school. Uta no Prince Sama will be returning this fall for its fifth series, Uta no Prince-sama Maji LOVE Legend Star.

Another honorable mention belongs to a longstanding seinen franchise. A series titled Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans will return for its second season this fall. The series takes place in the future after mankind has successfully terraformed Mars and focuses on a group of impoverish children. The orphans work for one of the planet’s largest security companies and protect a politician who wants to see Mars become independent from Earth. However, the children soon learn their employers are corrupt after they are used as disposable decoys during a battle. Left to die, the kids then find and repair a legendary mobile suit, Gundam Barbatos.

March Comes In Like A Lion

For slice-of-life fans, you’ll most definitely want to tune into March Comes in like a Lion. The series, which was created by Chica Umino, will make its debut this October. If that name sounds familiar, then it may be because you’re a fan of Honey and Clover. The hugely popular series was sourced from Umino as well.

The creators’ newest series follows a 17-year-old shōgi genius named Rei as he lives an unassuming life in Tokyo. A professional player, Rei decided to skip out on school to pursue his passion for shōgi, but he begins to feel as if he has missed out on the high school experience. The show follows the orphaned outcast as he makes friends, learns to love, and deals with ever-present high school drama.

Bungo Stray Dogs

Rather than a new season, fans will get the second-half of Bungo Stray Dogs come October. The show premiered earlier this spring to praise from both fans and critics.

The anime is set in a world where certain individuals are gifted with supernatural powers. These gifts are all varied, leaving some to wield extraordinary powers while others oversee duds. The show focuses on a man named Atsushi Nakajima who is able to transform into a white tiger. Unable to control his gift, Atsushi joins the Armed Detective Agency to help hone his abilities alongside a group of new recruits.

Sound! Euphonium – Season 2

Band Geeks Unite!

After a successful first season, Sound! Euphonium returns to television this October to pick up where the show left off.

The musical project takes place at Kitauji High School and follows its concert band club as they strive to regain their former glory. At one point, the school regularly qualified for national band tournaments, but their reputation floundered once the club’s adviser left. However, the club was put back on track by a new, strict music teacher named Noburu Taki. Determined to take back the national title, the band club ended last season by qualifying for their district’s regional competition. So, in October, fans will get to see how the students fair on a bigger stage.

Natsume’s Book of Friends Go

For the supernatural lover, then it is time you sat down for Natsume’s Book of Friends. The popular shojo premiered in 2008 and will roll out its fifth season later this fall.

Focused on Takashi Natsume, the anime follows the gifted boy as he deals with his spiritual abilities. Since Takashi can see ghosts, he is often haunted by lingering spirits who were contracted by his grandmother. In fact, it was his grandmother who gave Takashi her Book of Friends that contained the names of all the spirits she had enslaved. Dismayed, Takashi teams up with a bodyguard named Madara to release those spirits from servitude. And, naturally, things don’t go quite as the pair hope.

Haikyu!! – Karasuno VS Shiratorizawa

Haikyu!! doesn’t tell your typical sports story. The franchise follows a rundown volleyball team that is desperate to make a name for itself. While the show does focuses heavily on sports, the shonen has made a name for itself since it also painstakingly fleshes out its starring characters. So, really, it isn’t surprising to hear that Haikyu!! will return for a third season this fall.

The anime follows two students named Hinata and Kageyama after they join a small-time volleyball club. Originally rivals, the pair are forced to work together on their high school’s team and discover that teamwork cannot be learned overnight. But, when they play alongside the rest of the Karasuno team, the two discover how complimentary their skills are. Last season, the series saw Karasuno makes it to the finals of a qualifying tournament for the nationals. Having defeated Aoba Jousai High School, both Hinata and Kageyama are set to take on Shiratorizawa next.